The ultimate moving checklist and timeline

In order to plan and execute perfect relocation, you need to make a moving checklist and timeline. It will keep to get everything in order, watch out for every detail and don’t overlook any moving task. It will be a lot of them, each harder than the one before. No matter are you hiring movers to relocate your home, or you’re trying to do it on your own – putting everything that has to be done in writing is always a good idea. If you don’t have any idea how your moving plan should look like, take notice of our ultimate moving checklist with a schedule. Also, don’t disregard the thing that you should do before you sit down and start creating your list.

Book the movers before making the moving checklist and timeline

When you decide that you want professionals to handle your relocation, it’s important to start looking for them as soon as possible. Good movers are usually booked for months in advance, so searching for the perfect moving company should be your first priority. Especially if you want an eco-friendly move – there aren’t many companies providing a green relocation and they are very busy at any time of year.

Anyway, in order to make sure movers you like are available on your move date, you may want to schedule their services at least a couple of months in advance.

Book your movers as soon as possible.

Plan ahead for packing

Packing isn’t just one of the most tedious moving task, but also the most time consuming one. You will have to get packing supplies and find green box rentals if you wish an eco-friendly relocation. Then you will have to decide what are you relocating and which things are being left behind. After that, there is packing items into the boxes in the safest matter. The list goes on and on, and these are only one of its important parts. In order to get everything done, you need to incorporate a packing timeline into your moving checklist. By planning ahead, you can use your time and pack more effectively.

How your moving checklist and timeline should look

The answer to this question will be that your moving checklist and timeline should be made in a way which is most visually appealing to you. However, if you don’t know where to start, take a look at this clear example of a well-organized list and see what task you should do when.

8 weeks before the move

Start sorting Start going through your home and separating things. While you can change your mind until the packing day, try to be strict and declutter your home of the things you really don’t need.

Find a moving companyGo online and check the companies which pique your interest. Make narrow selections of at least 3 companies, contact them and choose the best one.

7 to 5 weeks before the move

Find a place for them It is important to keep your packing supplies together, and easy to reach when the packing day arrives.

4 weeks before the move – what to write in your moving checklist and timeline

Start packing items which aren’t essentialsSeasonal clothes, beach or winter gear, holiday decoration and other things you don’t use daily, you can begin to pack. Don’t forget to label the boxes.

Notify utilitiesCall companies which are providing you utilities. Arrange the process of closing or transferring utility services from your current to your new home.

Notify your landlordIf you’re moving from a rental, this will be the last notice to inform your landlord about your decision.

3 weeks before the move

Pets and plants Start making the arrangements to get your animals and plants to the new home.

Change your address You can do this easily by filling a form on the USPS website.

Transfer insurance If you have home insurance, call your agent and request the transfer of the policy to your new home.

Check your car When you have a car and you plan to travel to your new home by road, have your car serviced. Especially if you are moving long distance.

Take your car to a mechanic to make sure that everything is in order.

2 weeks before the move

Get to serious packing It is time to start boxing up almost all of your household items. Leave the things that you need before the moving day for last.

Dispose of hazardous materials Properly dispose of any items that can’t be moved such as cleaning materials, propane, or paint.

1 week before the move

Leave no room for misunderstandings Check in with your mover to confirm the time and date of the move.

Pack an essential bag Prepare a bag with items you will need right away at your new place and during the travel. This is the baggage which will travel with you.

1 day before the move

Keep important documents close Make sure to have your important documents by your side. Keep them close to the file with moving documents which you will be needing tomorrow.

Take a breather If you followed every item from the list, you are probably excused and on your last nerves. Tomorrow will be even more chaotic so use this time to relax and say goodbye to your friends. Go on the dinner or for a drink – you certainly deserve to unwind a little bit.

Rest and relax before the big day.

For the end of your moving checklist and timeline – The Moving Day

When the movers arrive, point them to the fragile or large items which require special attention. Go through the inventory list one more time, and be there when the movers load your items onto the truck. After you make sure that everything is there and that all of your belongings are in the truck, sign the bill of lading.

Take one final sweep through the home, and make sure nothing was left behind.